What qualities should a good teacher have?

When students answer surveys about this concept, the answer they give most often is that they appreciate a teacher with a sense of humor. Faculty, of course, ume that the meaning is that they have to tell jokes or act like clowns. Not correct at all. But students recognize that learning is serious business, and it helps to know that the teacher is a "down to earth" person who has the same sensibilities as everyone else. Hard case, stern, rigid faculty may have a lot of knowledge to impart, but it is very difficult to learn from someone you do not like. A warm, friendly approach, backed by a pleasant willingness to see the funny side of life is what students most appreciate.